The One Thing To Know About Removing Facial Hair

Removing facial hair isn't talked about as often as shaving your legs, but that doesn't mean it's not totally common. If you're considering tackling some of your facial hair, you definitely don't want to miss the one thing you need to know about removing your facial hair. Knowledge is power, and you want to be as informed as possible before doing something new to your bod.

First and foremost, there's no reason to freak over facial hair. It's totally common. As for why it happens, Dr. Anna A. Bar, M.D., a dermatologist with Oregon Health and Science University, told Elle, "The most common cause is familial hirsutism, which means that there is a genetic tendency toward excess hair growth." If you feel the amount is excessive though, get checked by a doctor because you could also be dealing with something more serious, like "polycystic ovary syndrome, pituitary tumors, ...or a hormonal imbalance," in which case you will definitely need treatment.

If you're sure you can manage the hair yourself, the one thing you really need to know about removing facial hair is just how many options are out there! Just because one works for your friend doesn't mean it's right for you, and I've scouted out all the most popular options. You can test a few out or chat with your doc about what might be the best fit.

1. Shaving

Tinkle Eyebrow Razor Pack of 3 , $5, Amazon

There are razors specifically designed for facial shaving, and despite its silly name, "Tinkle" is my favorite brand.

2. Tweezing

Slant Tweezers, $10, Amazon

If you only need to tackle a few stubborn and long hairs, tweezing them individually might be your best bet.

3. Waxing

Nad's Facial Wax Strips, $9, Amazon

The benefit of waxing is that it is one of the cheaper ways to remove larger patches of hair at once. You can either go into a professional or use an at home kit to get rid of hair. If you're especially sensitive to pain though, this may not be your best option!

4. Depilatories

Veet Hair Removal Cream, $9, Amazon

Hair removal gels and creams are a totally painless option as long as you don't have sensitive skin that might have an allergic reaction to the harsher chemicals. Start with a "patch test" somewhere like your arm to see how you react to a hair removal product and determine whether or not it's safe for you to use.

5. Laser Hair Removal

The most expensive (but also most permanently effective) option is laser hair removal. As fellow Bustle writer Julia Teen explained, "[Lasers] work by using pulsating light beams to heat up and burn the pigment-producing melanin in the hair follicle, causing it to stop production." Generally, this method is best for those with dark brown and black facial hair.

6. Electrolysis

Electrolysis "works by destroying the root of each hair at the follicle with an electric current," shared Bustle's Miki Hayes. "And whereas laser hair removal is not always the best option for certain types of hair or skin, electrolysis can work for any type."

7. Bleaching

Creme Hair Bleach, $5, Jet

Sometimes, the most effective hair removal method isn't removal at all. Bleaching hairs makes them hard to notice and lets you dodge any of the plucking pain of other methods.

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